Poly-Drug Trafficking Ring Shut Down by State and Federal Authorities in Stuart

JULY 11 (STUART, Fla.) – Mark R. Trouville, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Miami Field Division, and David Dyess, Chief of Police, Stuart Police Department (SPD), announce the results of a joint local impact investigation into the gang and drug activities centered in the east Stuart community.

The three month investigation dubbed “Operation Rock Star” involved the use of state judicial wire intercepts, informants, and undercover operations in Martin County. Investigators identified Corey Knowles (27, Stuart) and Willie Hogan (31, Stuart) as key individuals within a distinct drug hierarchy that were bringing illicit narcotics into Stuart to be sold. The Knowles and Hogan poly-drug trafficking organization consists of multiple offenders who solicited the sales of cocaine, cannabis, and prescription medications.

Today’s operations resulted in the arrest of 21 out of the 30 individuals charged with over 60 felony drug charges. This investigation is ongoing and additional arrests will be made.

The investigation was conducted by the DEA and SPD, with the assistance of the Martin County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigation Unit. This investigation is being prosecuted by the 19th Circuit State Attorney’s Office.